Expressing grave concern over the miserable plight of the refugees from West Pakistan, BJP State President Jugal Kishore Sharma today extended party’s unstinted support to the genuine demand of these refugees, who have been leading miserable life under unhygienic conditions in different parts of Jammu province since 1947. He said that it is indeed unfortunate that these hapless and abandoned people have lost their three generations while agitating for a dignified settlement.Jugal Kishore Sharma, while reminding the state and the centre government of the 1987 Supreme Court’s clear suggestions to make necessary changes in the relevant legislations to meet the demands of West Pakistan Refugees, said that the ball has been in the courts of both these governments for more than 25 years now and the refugees have been seen on streets to get justice as per the suggestions of the Supreme Court of India.
Sharma also extended party’s support to the passionate appeals of leaders of West Pakistan Refugees, especially Labha Ram Gandhi and said that the time has come when all the political parties should come open on the issue and support the cause of the refugees, who have already suffered a lot during the past six decades and have the right to avail and enjoy all the rights which are being availed by other citizens of the country. He said that the BJP has always supported that every citizen should be treated equal and there should not be any discrimination on region, religion and caste basis.Holding the Article-370 as one of the hurdle in meeting the legitimate demand of refugees, Sharma said that the special provision has already caused immense loss to the people and the state and the time has come when a healthy debate should be held to discuss pros and cons to finally reach a conclusion that it should be abrogated once and forever.